Pope Francis Appoints New Members to the XVI Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat
Exciting news from the Vatican as Pope Francis recently announced the appointment of new members to the XVI Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod. Among the appointees are Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, SJ, Archbishop of Luxembourg, and Cardinal Roberto Repole, Archbishop of Turin, who was just elevated to the cardinalate on December 7.
However, what makes this announcement truly special is the inclusion of Sister Simona Brambilla, Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and María Lía Zervino, a consecrated laywoman and President of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations. These two women represent a significant shift as they are the first non-bishops to be appointed to the Council.
17 Members in Total
The XVI Ordinary Council now consists of a total of 17 members, with the other members being elected during the 15th General Congregation of the Synod of Bishops on October 23. The Council plays a crucial role in preparing and implementing the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod, and its members serve until the following Assembly is dissolved.
Papal Appointees Breaking Tradition
Traditionally, the Council members were required to be bishops. However, with the appointment of Sister Simona Brambilla and María Lía Zervino, this rule has been broken, signaling a more inclusive and diverse approach to the work of the Council. Additionally, the head of the Roman Curia Dicastery responsible for the theme of the next Synod will be added to the Council in the future.
The new Ordinary Council will convene via videoconference on December 17 to begin its work on implementing the synodal process and preparing for the next Synod. The Council, chaired by Pope Francis, is an essential part of the General Secretariat and plays a vital role in shaping the future of the Church.
Composition of the XVI Ordinary Council:
- His Beatitude Youssef Absi – Patriarch of Antioch of the Greek Melkites, Head of the Synod of the Greek Melkite Catholic Church
- Cardinal Luis José Rueda Aparicio – Archbishop of Bogotá (Colombia)
- … (continue list as per original content)
This diverse and inclusive Council is a testament to the Church’s commitment to embracing different voices and perspectives as it moves forward in its mission. Stay tuned for more updates on the work of the XVI Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat!
